TARBA STATE UNIVERSITY JALINGO

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS
COURSE TITTLE: HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT
COURSR CODE: POS 301

INTRODUCTION
The study of political thought examines the origin of western
political, social, and legal thought in order to understand the
present through the great political work of the past.
DEFINATION OF POLITICAL THOUGHT
According to MAHAJAN [1988] political thought generally is
concerned with political philosophy.
Political thought is basically the thought of philosophers on
political life of mankind, in order to find the solutions to the
problems of the universe.
GENERALLY,
The history of political thought provides leaders with political
ideas or perspectives with which they can relay their speeches,
policy and programs in an educative and convincing manners.
E.g., the idea of democracy, the rule of law and citizenship etc.
BELOW ARE TWO MAIN REASONS FOR POLITICAL THOUGHT
it provides us with values with which with which we can be able
to judge political behavior and political actions in other to
understand if they are right or wrong.
It provides the mechanism with which we can control political
behavior.
ANCIENT EGYPT AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF KAMAAT
Egypt civilization started about 300BC; Egypt has a very
elaborated political system.
In ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh was seen as the representative of
the gods, particularly the god Horus. The Pharaoh was
considered to be a divine ruler, a living god on Earth, and the
intermediary between the gods and the people.
FUNCTIONS OF PHARAOH BY KAMAAT
. Some of the key functions and roles of the Pharaoh in ancient
Egypt included:
1. *Divine Ruler: * The Pharaoh was seen as a living god,
particularly associated with the god Horus. They were
considered divine and the embodiment of the gods on Earth.
2. *Political Leader: * The Pharaoh was the ultimate political
authority in ancient Egypt. They were responsible for governing
the country, making laws, and maintaining order within the
land.
3. *Military Leader: * The Pharaoh was the commander-in-chief
of the Egyptian military. They were responsible for the defense
of the kingdom and leading military campaigns when necessary.
4. *Economic Steward: * The Pharaoh oversaw the
management of Egypt's vast resources, including agricultural
production, trade, and the allocation of land.
5. *Religious Leader: * The Pharaoh played a central role in
religious ceremonies and rituals, often acting as a high priest
and making offerings to the gods on behalf of the Egyptian
people.
LIMITATION OF PHARAOH AS STATED BY KAMAAT
He most rule according to the rule of law, knowing that all men
are equal and the laws are supreme.
He most rule according to the principle of good governance.
He most not use his powers authoritatively but be guided by
law.
PHILOSOPHY AND JUSTICE PLATO’S REPUBLIC
In Plato's "Republic," the concept of justice plays a central role
in his philosophical exploration of the ideal state and the
individual's relationship to society. The dialogue takes the form
of a conversation between Socrates and several other
characters and covers a wide range of topics, including the
nature of justice, the structure of an ideal society, and the
nature of the human soul.
Here are some key aspects of Plato's philosophy of justice in
"The Republic":
1. *The Nature of Justice: * Plato begins by asking the
fundamental question, "What is justice?" He explores different
definitions and concepts of justice proposed by various
characters in the dialogue. The most famous definition that
emerges is the idea that justice is "doing one's own work and
not meddling with what is not one's own."
2. *Justice in the Individual and the State:* Plato argues that
the nature of justice in the individual mirrors the nature of
justice in the state. In other words, a just society is one where
each individual performs their designated role and function to
the best of their ability, and the state as a whole functions
harmoniously.
3. *The Tripartite Soul:* Plato introduces the idea of the
tripartite soul, consisting of reason, spirit, and desire. Each of
these parts of the soul corresponds to different classes in the
ideal state: the philosopher-kings (reason), the auxiliaries
(spirit), and the producers (desire).
4. *The Philosopher-King:* Plato argues that the ideal ruler, or
"philosopher-king," is the one who has a well-ordered soul and
is committed to seeking wisdom and truth. Such a ruler is best
equipped to make just decisions for the state because they
possess knowledge, reason, and a commitment to the common
good.
5. *Education and the Ideal State:* Plato emphasizes the
importance of education in shaping individuals and society. In
his ideal state, education is a lifelong process that is carefully
designed to produce philosopher-kings, who have been trained
to seek wisdom and knowledge.
Overall, "The Republic" is a complex and influential work in the
history of philosophy that explores the relationship between
justice, the individual, and the ideal state.
WHAT IS JUSTICE?
JUSTICE: according to PLATO as an order that designates
philosophers the millers.
In the works of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, particularly
in his dialogue "The Republic," justice is a central theme and
subject of philosophical exploration. Plato's understanding of
justice is multifaceted and is primarily explored through a
dialogue between Socrates and other characters. Here is a
summary of Plato's definition of justice as presented in "The
Republic":
1. *Justice as Harmony of the Soul:* Plato suggests that justice
begins with the individual and the state of their soul. He
proposes that a just individual is one whose soul is in a state of
harmony, with reason ruling over the spirited and appetitive
aspects of the soul.
2. *Justice in the State:* Plato extends the concept of
individual justice to the organization of the ideal state. In his
view, a just state is one where each class of citizens
(philosopher-kings, auxiliaries, and producers) performs its
specific role and function without transgressing into the roles of
others
3. *Social Justice:* Plato's vision of justice extends beyond
individual and state-level concepts to include social justice. In
the ideal state, social justice means that citizens receive what
they deserve based on their abilities and contributions to
society.
4. *Education and the Role of Guardians:* Plato emphasizes
the importance of education in shaping just individuals and a
just society. The state's educational system is designed to
identify and nurture future philosopher-kings (guardians) who
will uphold the principles of justice and the common good.
In summary, Plato's definition of justice revolves around the
idea of a harmonious soul in the individual and the organization
of a just state where each class fulfills its proper role in the
service of the common good.
CITIZENS AND THE STATE IN ARRISTOTLE’THE POLITICS
Aristotle's "Politics" is a foundational work in political
philosophy, and it addresses the relationship between citizens
and the state. Aristotle's ideas on this topic are fundamental to
his understanding of the ideal state and its political structure.
Here are key aspects of Aristotle's views on citizens and the
state in "Politics":
1. *Citizenship and the Polis:* Aristotle believed that human
beings are naturally political animals (zoon politikon), which
means that they are inherently social and designed to live in
communities.
2. *Citizens and Non-Citizens:* In Aristotle's view, not everyone
who lives in a polis is necessarily a citizen. Citizenship is typically
reserved for those who have a certain level of involvement in
the political life of the community, including participation in
decision-making and governance.
3. *Rights and Duties:* Aristotle believed that citizens have
both rights and duties. They have the right to participate in the
political life of the polis, which includes voting, holding office,
and serving in the military.
4. *Political Participation:* Aristotle believed that citizens
should actively participate in the political life of the polis
through various forms of governance, including democracy,
aristocracy.
Aristotle's "Politics" provides a rich exploration of political
theory, touching on various forms of government, the role of
the citizen, and the organization of the ideal state.
ARISTOTLE CLASSIFICATION OF JUSTICE
Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, classified justice into
different categories in his work "Nicomachean Ethics" and
"Politics." He identified two main forms of justice: distributive
justice and corrective justice.
1. *Distributive Justice (or just distribution):* Distributive
justice concerns the fair distribution of benefits, burdens, and
resources within a society or community. It deals with how
societal goods such as wealth, honors, and positions should be
allocated among individuals. Aristotle's concept of distributive
justice is grounded in the idea that people should receive what
they deserve based on their merit, virtue, and contribution to
society.

2. *Corrective (Reificatory) Justice:* Corrective justice, on the

other hand, pertains to correcting or rectifying actions that
involve injustice or wrongdoing. It focuses on rectifying harm or
imbalance caused by a particular action or event, such as a
crime or a breach of contract.

In addition to these two primary forms of justice, Aristotle also

recognized a third category, "proportional justice," which serves
as a principle underlying both distributive and corrective justice.
Proportional justice involves ensuring that the distribution of
goods and the punishment for wrongdoing are proportionate to
the merit or demerit of the individual involved.
PRINCIPLES OF DISTRIBUTION OF JUSTICE
The principles of the distribution of justice revolve around the
fair allocation of benefits, burdens, and resources within a
society or community.
1. *Equality: * This principle suggests that individuals should be
treated equally and receive an equal share of resources or
benefits.
2. *Need: * The principle of need emphasizes that resources or
benefits should be distributed to those who are in the greatest
needs
3. *Merit: * Merit-based distribution involves allocating
resources and rewards based on an individual's efforts,
achievements, or contributions.
4. *Contribution: * This principle holds that resources and
rewards should be distributed in proportion to an individual's
contribution to society or a specific endeavor.
5. *Fairness and Impartiality: * Fairness and impartiality are
overarching principles that cut across the others. They
emphasize that the process of distribution should be fair,
transparent, and free from bias or discrimination
CICERO ALL ROAD LED TO ROME
The group which most rule if justice is to prevail for PLATO
and ARRISTOTTLE on
May the wealthy have landed clove owners THE ARRISTOCRATE
OF ANCIENT.
The ideas of CICERO are contracted to that of PLATO and
ARRISTOTTLE the cue moves from ancient Greece to ancient
Rome.
In the beginning CICERO discuses justice in term of quality
rather than inequality. CICERO believed in the world wide
human brotherhood united in the bond of justice with universal
citizenship as it aims. His aim here is that all men share
common rational, men are fundamentally alike despite it
difference in language, culture, and local customs. All men
share common idea of right and wrong, which are found in the
body of natural law to which all are subjected.
CICERO believes that men most unite and follow one law, and
the law which is administered GREAT STATE THE ROME EMPIRE.
CRITERIA FOR ENTERING THE CITY OF GOD
The concept of entering the "City of God" is a theological and
philosophical idea that has been explored in various religious
and philosophical traditions, with notable mention in the works
of Augustine of Hippo, a Christian theologian. But some
common themes include:
1. *Faith: * Many religious traditions emphasize the importance
of faith in a higher power or a divine source. Belief in and
commitment to the teachings and principles of a particular
religion can be a criterion for entering the City of God.
2. *Virtue: * Living a virtuous and ethical life is often considered
a fundamental requirement. Virtues such as honesty, kindness,
compassion, and justice are typically associated with the path
to spiritual enlightenment and salvation.
3. *Repentance and Forgiveness: * In some traditions, the
willingness to acknowledge one's past mistakes and seek
forgiveness is a key criterion. Repentance and divine forgiveness
can be seen as a means of purifying the soul and gaining access
to the City of God.
4. *Moral and Ethical Behavior: * Upholding moral and ethical
standards is crucial in many belief systems. Adherence to these
principles, as outlined in religious texts or moral codes, can be a
criterion for entry into the City of God
It's important to note that the criteria for entering the City of
God can vary significantly depending on the religious or
philosophical context.
SOCIETY, STATE AND JUSTICE IN IBN KHALDUN
Ibn Khaldun, a 14th-century Arab historian, philosopher, and
scholar, is best known for his work "MUQADDIMMAH" (also
known as "Prolegomena" or "Introduction"). In this work, he
made significant contributions to various fields, including the
study of society, the state, and justice. Ibn Khaldun's ideas on
these topics are foundational to the fields of sociology, political
theory, and historiography. Here are some key aspects of his
views:
1. *Society and Social Organization: * Ibn Khaldun proposed a
comprehensive theory of society. He emphasized the role of
"ASABIYYA" (often translated as group feeling, social or
solidarity) as a driving force in the rise and fall of civilizations.
According to Ibn Khaldun, societies start with a strong sense of
ASABIYYA, which helps them overcome challenges and create
powerful states.
2. *The State and Political Authority: * Ibn Khaldun explored
the nature of political authority and the state. He argued that
the state's primary role is to maintain order and justice, serving
as a means of ensuring social cohesion. He believed that
political authority is a necessary institution to protect property
rights, resolve disputes, and provide for the common welfare of
the population.
3. *Justice and the Role of the State: * Ibn Khaldun viewed
justice as a central element in the functioning of the state and
the maintenance of social order. He argued that the state has a
fundamental responsibility to establish and uphold justice.
4. *Economic and Social Factors: * Ibn Khaldun recognized the
impact of economic and social factors on the stability of a state
and its ability to administer justice. He believed that prosperity
and stability could lead to increased taxes, which could then
create burdens for the population. This, in turn, might
contribute to the weakening of ASABIYYA.

Ibn Khaldun's work "MUQADDIMMAH" is a significant

contribution to the study of history, sociology, and political
theory, offering a unique perspective on the dynamics of human
societies and the relationship between social organization, the
state, and justice.

ADMAR JAJA